The Patek Philippe Cubitus Is Finally Here
Patek Philippe unveils its first new collection in 25 years showcasing bold designs and an innovative movement
October 17 marked a historic day for the world of watchmaking and particularly for Patek Philippe. After a 25-year hiatus, the Geneva-based luxury watchmaker unveiled an entirely new collection: Cubitus.
The launch took place in Munich, Germany, a significant location for Patek as it hosted the 2013 Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition. During the event, moments before revealing the new collection, Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern shared some insights into the immense effort behind the project. He explained that the design phase took four years, while the development of the movement—a true masterpiece—required six years. Stern also spoke about the numerous "disappointment days" throughout the process and the time needed to find the right path. In the end, persistence and a commitment to Patek Philippe's values led to the creation of a timepiece that truly embodies the brand.
The Cubitus collection comprises three models: a complicated platinum version (5822P-001), a time-only model in steel with a bracelet and green dial (5821/1A-001), and a two-tone model (5821/1AR-001).
Patek Philippe Cubitus - Ref. 5822P
The Ref. 5822P is perhaps the most anticipated model in the collection, likely familiar to many following a leak published in the American edition of Fortune magazine. With dimensions of 45 x 9.6 mm, the watch features a navy blue dial adorned with embossed horizontal stripes reminiscent of the iconic Nautilus.
This reference is the most complex in the collection, thanks to the new Caliber 240 PS CI J LU. The movement combines a large date at 12 o’clock, a moon phase indicator, and a day-of-the-week display. What truly sets it apart is the ability to simultaneously update all these indications in just 18 milliseconds, effectively instantaneously, at midnight. This innovation led to the filing of six patents, underscoring why it took six years to develop the movement.
Unlike the other models in the collection, the platinum version comes with a leather strap rather than a bracelet. In keeping with Patek's tradition for platinum models, the 5822P includes a diamond set on the bezel. This time, however, the diamond is baguette-cut to match the watch’s square design.
The list price for the Ref. 5822P is €89,100.
Patek Philippe Cubitus - Ref. 5821/1AR
The second model in the Cubitus collection, Ref. 5821/1AR, features a striking combination of stainless steel and rose gold, perfectly encapsulating the concept of a luxury sports watch. This model is slightly thinner and smaller than the platinum version, measuring just 8.3 mm in thickness, and 45 x 8,3 mm for the case. The navy blue dial pairs beautifully with rose gold elements, such as applied markers, hands, and the date window frame. Its integrated bracelet alternates between steel and rose gold links, enhancing the watch's sporty yet refined aesthetic.
The list price for the Ref. 5821/1AR is €61,780.
Patek Philippe Cubitus - Ref. 5821/1A
Rounding out the trio is the Ref. 5821/1A, crafted entirely in stainless steel. This model is expected to be the most sought-after in the collection, given its rarity and design. It shares the same thickness and dimensions as its two-tone sibling.
The scarcity of the 5821/1A is due to its all-steel construction, a material that is both rare and highly coveted in Patek Philippe’s collections. Adding to its appeal is the olive-green dial, a direct nod to the final edition of the Nautilus 5711, model that had triggered the secondary market and is still now trading at €238.315, +683.93% over the list price.
The list price for the Ref. 5821/1A is €41,580.
Final Thoughts
When the first leaks of the Cubitus surfaced, the initial reaction was mixed, with many doubting the authenticity of the news. It seemed unusual for Patek Philippe to create a watch so similar to the Nautilus but with a square case.
The rationale behind this new model lies in the persistent and growing demand for Patek Philippe sports watches since the Cubitus development began—a demand that remains strong today. Thierry Stern continues to face the challenge of meeting the overwhelming interest in the Aquanaut and Nautilus collections, with only a small fraction of customers able to obtain these highly coveted timepieces. This has fueled a surge in the secondary market over the past few years. The decision to introduce another luxury sports model is aimed to fight this phenomenon and also reach a broader segment of clientele.
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